Thirds to john w



(No Model.)

0. JORDAN.

AIR BED.-

Patented May 21, 1895.

wz uonms mus co. murmu'ma. WASHINGTON. u. c.

' ively to said top and bottom pieces.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES L. JORDAN, OF 'PELAHATOHEE, MISSISSIPPI, ASSIGNOR OF TWO- THIRDS TO JOHN W. JENNINGS AND JAMES F. JORDAN, OF SAME PLACE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 539,621, dated May 21, 1895.

Ap lication filed February 15. 1895. Serial No. 538 ,560- (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, CHARLES L. JORDAN, a citizen of the United States, residing at Pelahatchee, in the county of Rankin and State of Mississippi, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Air-Beds; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

My invention relates to improvements in air beds, pillows, cushions and other inflated articles, the object of the same being to provide a device of this character which is adapted to be inflated with air, whereby the shape and tension of the same will be regulated and kept equal at all times, notwithstanding the varying degrees of weight and temperature of atmosphere which are applied to it.

The invention consists of a bed formed of an outer casing of suitable fabric, and a central, interior sheet of a size corresponding to the'top and bottom of the bed, which is connected to said top and bottom by elastic bands or cords arranged in alternate rows 011 each side of the central strip, connected respect- The said interior sheet serves as a fulcrum or regniating device for equalizing the pressure at all points in the bed. i

The invention also consists in other details of construction which will be hereinafter more fully described and claimed.

In the drawings forming a part of this specification, Figure 1 represents a perspective View of my bed complete. Fig. 2 represents a similar view, partly broken away, with one of the end pieces removed to show the interior construction. Fig. 3 is a plan View of one side of the top or bottom piece. Fig. 4 is a similar view of the interior sheet.

Like reference numerals indicate like parts in the various views.

In forming my bed I start with top and bottom pieces of fabric 1 and 2 respectively, which are cut to the size to which the bed is to be made and are equal in all respects. These are connected together by edge pieces 3, 3, and by end pieces 4, 5, the same being securely sewed together by a plurality of stitches extending clear around the interior of the bed for the purpose of making a tight joint and preventing breakage of the parts. On the inner sides of the top and bottom pieces 1 and 2' are stitched a series of strips of tape 6, 6, which at regular intervals, as at 7, are left unstitched for a purpose which will appear later. Connected at the corners of the top and bottom and edge pieces, on the inside thereof, are strips or posts 8, by means of which the central regulating sheet 9 is secured in place. This central sheet 9 is of a size and shape corresponding to the top and bottom pieces. It is bound around its outer edges with cord 10, loops or eyelets 11 being left therein at the corners. Through these loops or eyelets pass the cords or posts 8. Pass ing through the loops 7 formed in the strips of tape 6 is a series of elastic bands or cords 12 which are connected also to loops 13 formed in the sheet 9. It will be seen that the strips 6 which are secured to the inside of the top 1 are arranged between the corresponding strips 6 on the inside of the bottom 2 and the elastic bands 12 are therefore arranged in alternate rows. These bands 12 may be of either flat elastic material or of round material, the same having their ends connected by suitable clamps 13 as shown. They are preferably made about two inches in length when in their normal condition and when the bed is inflated are adapted to be extended to a length of about five or six inches, with a capacity for extending to a length of ten or twelve inches. As, thns constructed the bed is adapted to be inflated by means of a suitable air pump through the air tube 14 which is secured to one of the end pieces in a suitable manner. This air tube is formed with an air-tight, rubber lined, screw cap to prevent accidental blowing out of the cork or other stopper.

In the construction of my bed, the top, bottom and three of the edge pieces are sewed together in the manner described and the whole is immersed in a tank of suitable air proofing oil and dried. The central regulating sheet is then inserted and the remaining end piece sewed on, a little of the oil being left on the inside which can be run along the seams of the last applied end piece for the purpose of forming an absolutely air-tight casing. After this the entire outer surface is coated with similar air proofing oil for making the air proofing more complete and certain.

It will be observed that the central sheet which I employ connected to the top and bottom pieces by means of the elastic bands serves the purpose of equalizing the pressure on the bed, creating a more regular distribution of the air, regulating the varied pressure of weight, preventing the turning up of the corners of the bed, and regulating the tension of the bed to suit the requirements, whereby the same may be adapted to the idiosyncrasies of invalids and other persons using the same. This is accomplished by reason of the resilient connection between the central sheet and the top and bottom pieces of the bed,

The bed may be filled to a greater or less extent by admitting a greater or less. amount of air, but to whatever extent it is filled, the elastic connection between the parts Will always keep the parts taut. This resilient connection will also distribute and. equalize the pressure throughout all parts of the bed, whether the weight applied be great, or small, and by reason of the space between the sides of the central strip. and the edge pieces, the air is permitted to circulate on all sides. Furthermore, the connection of the corners of the central sheet to the inside corners of the edge pieces, prevents the turning up of the corners of thebed.

I am aware that it isnot new to construct air beds with a top and bottom piece connected. by strips or' sheets. of fabric for the purpose of equally distributing the air in the.

casing formed, and also, that a series of unelastic cords have been employed for a similar purpose. I am also aware that it is not new to construct such beds with the top and bottom pieces as well as the side pieces, connected by elastic springs. I therefore make no claim to any of said constructions, but

What I do claim, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-- 1. In an air bed,the combination with a casing, formedof top, bottom and edge pieces, securely sewed together, of a central regulating sheet, and a series of elastic bands consaeei necting said central sheet with said top and bottom portions, substantially as and for the purpose described.

2. In an air bed, the combination with a casing formed of top, bottom and edge pieces securely sewed together, of a central regulating sheet, and elastic bands connecting said central sheet with said top, and bottom portions, the same being arranged in alternate rows, substantially as and for the purpose described.

3. In an air bed, the combination with a cas- -ing formed of top, bottom and edge pieces securely sewed together, and having cords or posts at the corners thereof on the inside of said casing,of acentral regulating sheet l1av-- iug its edges bound with cord, with loops vformed at the corners thereof, whereby the same may be connected tosaid cord or post at i the corners of Said casing, a series of elastic stantially as and for the. purpose described.

4. In an air bed, the combination with a casing formed of top, bottom and edge pieces securely sewed together, a series of strips of tape sewed longitudinally or laterally of said .top and bottom pieces on the inside thereof, and formed at intervals. into. loops, and cords or posts arranged at the corners onthe inside of said casing, of a central regulating sheet having a binding of cord around its edges, formed at the corners thereof with loops, through which said cords or posts are adapted to, pass, a series of loops on the top and bottom of said central sheet, elastic bands connecting said loops with the loops formed in the tape secured respectively to the top and bottom pieces, substantially as and for the purpose described.

In testimony whereof I have signed this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

CHARLES L. JORDAN. Witnesses:

H. L. CRooK, J. M. STINGILY. 

